The stage was set for a seismic Club World Cup semifinal clash: Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off European glory, against Real Madrid, featuring their former talisman Kylian Mbappe. While traffic might have delayed both teams` arrival at the stadium, it took PSG precisely six minutes to signal that Real Madrid’s problems on the night extended far beyond gridlock. What followed was a clinical dismemberment, ending 4-0 to the Parisians, a scoreline that didn`t just reflect a victory, but an absolute obliteration of the team featuring their recent superstar export.
Despite both squads missing key figures – suspensions sidelined Willian Pacho and Dean Huijsen, while Trent Alexander-Arnold felt tightness in training for Madrid – PSG wasted no time imposing their will. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring early, setting the tone. Ousmane Dembele, seemingly determined to prove his Ballon d`Or credentials, then effortlessly dispossessed Antonio Rudiger before finishing coolly. Ruiz completed his brace just 24 minutes in, leaving Xabi Alonso`s side reeling and the match effectively decided before the half-hour mark. PSG repeatedly capitalized on Madrid’s uncharacteristic errors with ruthless efficiency.
This dominant display wasn`t just a flash in the pan. Having already secured their first Champions League title, PSG are operating at an elite level. Luis Enrique has meticulously built a cohesive “machine” in the post-Mbappe era. This team, unlike some past iterations packed with individual superstars (remember the Messi-Neymar-Mbappe days?), functions as a unified unit. Their 64th game of the season showed zero signs of fatigue or complacency; they are relentless, a testament to the culture Enrique has instilled.
For Real Madrid, it was a night to forget. Xabi Alonso`s side looked disjointed and struggled to get into the game, perhaps still shaking off the jet lag from a late arrival. Kylian Mbappe made his first start of the tournament, playing alongside young Gonzalo Garcia, but even his presence couldn`t ignite a static Madrid attack. The tactical switch to a back four seemed ill-suited to their current personnel, leaving them chasing PSG`s shadows for large parts of the match.
This defeat serves as Xabi Alonso`s first significant setback as Real Madrid manager. While painful, it’s a valuable learning experience, revealing stark weaknesses in the team`s current setup and squad balance. The tournament has highlighted that Madrid appears more comfortable in a back three, which better utilizes attacking fullbacks like Francisco Garcia and Alexander-Arnold. However, this system poses questions about accommodating players like Rodrygo. With the potential departure of club legend Luca Modric looming, changes are already anticipated at the Bernabéu. This humbling loss against PSG starkly illustrates the distance Real Madrid may currently need to travel to compete at the absolute pinnacle.
PSG, meanwhile, march confidently towards the Club World Cup final, where they will face Chelsea, looking to add another historic trophy to their cabinet.
